Harambe

Harambe

Harambe, a western lowland gorilla, was killed the day after his 17th birthday at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden on May 28, 2016, after a 3-year-old child fell into the gorilla enclosure and was dragged around its moat by Harambe. The zoo fatally shot the 400-pound male gorilla to rescue the boy.

The silverback, born at the Gladys Porter Zoo in Brownsville, Texas on May 27, 1999, was a relatively recent resident at the Cincinnati Zoo, arriving there in April 2014. He quickly became a favorite of amateur photographer Robert Streithorst who visited the zoo regularly after his retirement, often once or twice a week. Streithorst enjoys photographing many of the animals, but said, Harambe “became my favorite,” adding “I’m going to miss that guy.” The photographer explained, “he just seemed to love the camera” and seemed so human.

Click through to see a selection of Streithorst’s favorite photos of Harambe.

Credit: Robert Streithorst

Harambe

Harambe was part of the Gorilla World exhibit at the Cincinnati Zoo.

Western lowland gorillas are distinguished from other gorillas by their brown-grey coats and auburn chests. They are somewhat smaller in size than other subspecies.

Credit: Robert Streithorst

Harambe

This is one of the photographer's most favorite photographs because Harambe's gesture reminded Streithorst of Dr. Evil in the "Austin Powers" films.

The photographer described Harambe as a fun gorilla who was like a "rebellious teenager." He would catch carrots and make funny gestures. Harambe also had very expressive eyes.

Credit: Robert Streithorst

Harambe

Western Lowland gorillas are critically endangered according to the World Wildlife Fund. Because of poaching and disease their numbers have declined drastically -- by more than 60% in the last 20-25 years.

Upon his arrival in Cincinnati, Harambe was placed in a social group with two 19-year-old females, "Chewie" and "Mara" for social interaction and companionship. The zoo has one other silverback, Jomo, who was the clearly established leader.

Credit: Robert Streithorst

Harambe

Harambe was sent to the Cincinnati Zoo when he became too old to stay at Gladys Porter Zoo in Brownsville, Texas. He was considered a youthful "teenager" at 17-years-old.

Credit: Robert Streithorst

Harambe

Upon his arrival in Cincinnati, Harambe was placed in a social group with two 19-year-old females, "Chewie" and "Mara." The three were put together for social interaction and companionship. Harambe hadn't reached breeding maturity yet.

The zoo has one other silverback, Jomo, who was the clearly established leader.

Credit: Robert Streithorst

Harambe

According to the Cincinnati Zoo, there are about 765 gorillas in zoos around the world. The zoo is an active participant in gorilla breeding and conservation.

Credit: Robert Streithorst

Harambe

Harambe was described as intelligent and curious by Ron Evans, Curator of Primates at the Cincinnati Zoo. The gorilla would use sticks and other objects to reach for items outside his grasp.

Credit: Robert Streithorst

Harambe

Harambe has a half-sister, Gladys, who lives at the Cincinnati Zoo.

According to zoo director Thane Maynard, in an interview with WCPO Cincinnati, a silverback gorillas is three times larger than an average man and six times stronger.